Richard Phelp's Mission

I began my career as a Passport Specialist at the New York Passport Agency in 2015. In 2018, I was appointed Senior Steward to serve as the exclusive Union representative at the New York office. In this role, I advocated for a BUE who had been removed for poor performance. As second chair, I helped secure the employee’s reemployment, and they are now serving again as a specialist at our agency.

I have negotiated several key local agreements, including the agency’s Dress Code, Duty Officer, and Alternate Work Schedule Agreements. I also helped negotiate a settlement policy for adjudicating INA derivative and acquisition cases. This policy provided measurable MIS time and ensured new specialists received proper INA and complex case training, guided by supervisors or mentors.

In 2023, I became Chief Steward under former President Lee Wentz. I supported stewards and BUEs across numerous offices, offering guidance on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), conducting training sessions on grievance drafting and case research, and representing members in meetings with local management.

From June 2018 to August 2024, I served as Chair of the Legislative Committee, representing our local on Capitol Hill. I led efforts to modernize DOS/passport databases, advocated for increased Student Loan Repayment Program funding, and lobbied for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. I also participated in membership drives at various agencies.

During my tenure as Chief Steward, I supported National Officers and worked with PMO and Labor Relations to renegotiate the COVID Case Reporting Agreement. In January 2024, I represented NPC BUEs in a weather/safety leave grievance, successfully negotiating a settlement that restored 97 employees with four hours of leave.

I have filed disputes with the FLRA and FMCS concerning contract violations and successfully represented the Union in securing critical information from HQ for use in grievances concerning disparate treatment in leadership training opportunities. I also represented a BUE in an Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) case, securing a monetary settlement related to a payroll system error.

In February 2024, I participated in high-level meetings with former acting DAS Don Jacobson, Passport Directorate officials, and a former White House official, helping to negotiate the “Future of Passport Services” MOU. This agreement introduced 2024 production standards, retention bonuses for GS-11 specialists, and the creation of NFFE’s Transformation Tiger Team. In April 2024, I was unanimously elected to lead that team.

Under my leadership, the Tiger Team pushed for passport specialists’ inclusion in ConGen training, introduced retention bonuses, piloted production standards, and launched mentorship programs. We also addressed changes to IRLs and the Online Passport Renewal Program (OPR).

In 2024, I launched the NFFE Tiger Team Transformation Project Survey to gather BUE perspectives on the Passport Transformation initiatives, collecting 377 responses.

Before joining Passports, I served in the Peace Corps as a Rural Education Volunteer in Zambia (2012–2015). I earned a Master of Arts in Work and Labor Policy (SUNY Empire State College, 2022) and received the Rosa Parks Scholarship. I also hold a B.A. in Political Science with concentrations in Political Theory, American History, and American Literature. I am a native New Yorker, originally from Long Island, and now reside in Queens, where I enjoy reading, traveling, and volunteering at the Merrick-Marsden Neighbors Association Garden.

Vision as President of NFFE Local 1998

If elected, I will foster a more inclusive, collaborative relationship with our BUEs and members, rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and shared purpose. I envision:

Education & Training: Equip stewards and officers with tools to effectively represent BUEs at both local and national levels. Promote de-escalation strategies and timely resolutions to prevent issues from escalating into grievances. Good-Faith Negotiation: Teach representatives to negotiate with integrity and identify areas where the Union and management can collaborate, such as expanding BUE participation in ConGen and other Consular Affairs training. Collaboration & Trust: Build strong working relationships across all levels of union and management to foster mutual trust, transparency, and understanding.

Morale & Engagement: Ensure that members and BUEs feel heard, respected, and valued by opening more communication channels, encouraging participation in forums, and taking swift action on concerns.

Advance Career Pathways for Passport Specialists

I intend to negotiate nationwide policies that promote clear and attainable career advancement opportunities for passport specialists.

Expand TDY Opportunities

I will advocate for increased temporary duty assignments (TDYs), giving more specialists the chance to develop professionally and support mission-critical needs across the country.

Promote Preventative Representation

I believe in taking proactive steps to prevent issues from escalating unnecessarily. At the same time, I fully support filing grievances when management actions cause harm to bargaining unit employees (BUEs), violate the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), or negatively impact our network and Local 1998 as a whole. To that end, I will train local representatives to utilize available resources such as the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), engage senior officials, including the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) and Assistant Secretary (AS), to address poor management practices and protect our contractual rights.

Pursue a Grade Increase for Specialists

I aim to work collaboratively with management to review the occupational classification series for passport specialists,

to seek a possible GS-12 upgrade for the position to better reflect the complexity and responsibility of our work. 

Build Broad Labor Coalitions

I plan to grow the Legislative Committee and collaborate with other public and private labor unions to address systemic labor issues, such as cost of living, student loan debt, paid family leave, workplace safety, and affordable housing.

Strengthen Membership and Direct Engagement

I will encourage greater participation in the Union by fostering a direct democracy model, ensuring BUEs have a clear voice in decisions and a greater stake in our Union’s direction.

Reform and Democratize Local By-Laws

I will lead efforts to revise our by-laws to include checks against abuses of power and to create more democratic structures that promote transparency, accountability, and collective decision-making on labor issues.

With your support, I will work tirelessly on your behalf to strengthen our Union and build an organization that advocates fearlessly for every BUE.